ANNUAL MANUAL- Media-A little about us

Simply: Charlottesville's weekly newspaper and the largest locally owned paper in Central Virginia. By publishing fair, balanced, and colorful journalism, the Hook contributes to the community's health and encourages the mental, physical, and civic engagement of Central Virginians.

WHAT IS READTHEHOOK.COM?

That's our website, featuring everything you see in print plus an archive of every issue in our history. We also put breaking news up on the site everyday at readthehook.com/blog.

WHY IS THE PAPER FREE?

Newspapers make most of their money from advertising, so it's just easier to skip the costly turmoil of subscription lists and paperboys and offer the paper free.

HOW DO I SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?

First, make sure it's a critique of something we've published. Second, make sure it's under 300 words. Third, be aware that we might publish your email address unless you ask us not to. Fourth, SEND IT.

(We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity. Letters must be exclusive to us. We do not publish letters without the correct name of one individual. Please include a telephone number for verification.)

If it's a news tip, please call the editor at 295-8700 x230 or email him.

WHAT IF I HAVE A STORY I WANT TO WRITE?

Please be aware that very few unsolicited news articles, essays, or photographs are accepted. However, all are carefully considered– local emphasis is a must. If return of your submission is desired, a SASE must be provided. Although care will be taken, we assume no responsibility for lost submissions. Send them via snail mail: 100 Second Street NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22902, fax: 804.295-8097, or email.

BUT WHAT ABOUT MY IDEA FOR A NEW COLUMN?

Please send it to one of this area's other fine publications.

HOW DO I PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD?

Call 295-8700 ext. 222 or go to readthehook.com/submitclass.aspx.

HOW DO I PLACE A PERSONAL AD?

Call 295-8700 ext. 222 or set up a profile on The Hook Café online personals listings.

Look for the red boxes around town on various street corners. Also, check most grocery stores and other businesses. Or at our office. We print 21,000 copies each week!

CAN I GET A SUBSCRIPTION?

You're probably better off just enjoying the website, but if you have to have a subscription, please be aware that issues arrive several days after publication, even though they're sent by first-class mail. Cost is $125/year. Send your address and your check or money order payable to The Hook, 100 Second Street NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22902.

CAN I GET BACK ISSUES?

Best bet is to first search for the story you want online, and then order by issue date. We're sorry not to be able to assist your search. Please be aware that not all back issues are available, and we reserve the right to limit quantities. Send your check or money order payable to The Hook, 100 Second Street NW, Charlottesville, VA, 22902. Or visit. Or call 295-8700 x241.

Cost if mailed: $4 each; $3 each for 10+ mailed copies.

Cost if picked up from our office: 25¢ for issues under one month old. $1 for issues 1-6 months old. $3 for issues over 6 months old.

How to get free copies of last week's issue: Pick them up 24/7 from the vestibule of the Jefferson Theater on the Downtown Mall or look for special boxes with last week's issue next to this week's issue.

WHERE'S THE OFFICE, AND WHEN IS IT OPEN?

We're located in the heart of Charlottesville on the Downtown Mall at the Second Street automobile crossing. We're upstairs over the Consignment House and Bizou restaurant– and diagonally across from the Regal Cinema. Entrance is through a green door on Second Street. Hours: 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri.

WHAT'S THE HOOK HISTORY?

The Hook was founded in early 2002 by a group of employees who had previously worked together at another Charlottesville publication. The Hook is owned by Better Publications LLC, a Virginia company whose stock is currently held by three Charlottesville individuals including editor Hawes Spencer.

WHAT'S WITH THAT NAME, "THE HOOK"?

Originally, Charlottesville itself earned that moniker, perhaps in the 1950s, because lots of UVA students earned Cs– aka "hooks"– on their transcripts. But the so-called "gentleman's C" is history– doomed by grade inflation and coeducation. We picked the name because it simultaneously refers to the catchy part of a song, as well as this town's uncanny ability to lure people back here from other places. (And we believe our paper is habit-forming.)

WHO WAS THOMAS JEFFERSON?

The man who wrote, "Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press." He also penned this gem: "A government without newspapers or newspaper without government– I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."

HOW'D THE HOOK WEBSITE GET SO GOOD?

In the early days, the talents consisted of Red Goat Studios, Munk & Phyber, Punchbuggy Design, Will McCutcheon, and m3web.com. Now, however, the fabulous talents of Ryan Soulia keep it in the "excellent" category.